ZURICH, Jan. 25, 2012 -- gategroup, the world's leading independent provider of onboard products and services, has signed a long-term contract with leading European airline airberlin to provide catering and provisioning services through its Gate Gourmet brand.

The new agreement extends Gate Gourmet's existing business with airberlin for five years to the end of 2016, with the option to renew for an additional five-year term. The value of the agreement is CHF 70 to 80 million per year.

The contract, which is effective immediately, covers airberlin's operations in over 10 European airports, including Dusseldorf, one of its main hubs.

Gate Gourmet provides in-flight food, beverages and other onboard provisions to airberlin and the airline currently is among gategroup's top 10 customers in terms of annual revenue.

"We are delighted to continue our long association with airberlin and proud that the airline recognizes our strong focus on quality, performance and wide-ranging portfolio of products and services," said gategroup Chief Executive Officer Andrew Gibson.

In addition to the renewal of the catering and provisioning contract, gategroup brand Performa also recently reached a long-term agreement with airberlin. Performa, in close association with sister brand potmstudios, was awarded the contract to design, build and manage airberlin's flagship lounge now under construction at the new Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, scheduled to open in mid-year. The lounge will capture the atmosphere and culinary tradition of the popular German North Sea resort of Sylt.


About gategroup:

gategroup is the leading independent global provider of onboard services to companies that serve people on the move. gategroup comprises the following brands: deSter, eGate Solutions, Gate Aviation, Gate Gourmet, Gate Safe, Harmony, Performa, potmstudios, Pourshins and Supplair.

The Group's world-class capabilities are focused in catering and hospitality; provisioning and logistics; and onboard solutions. Our customers include top airlines around the world that rely on our expertise and solutions tailored to their guests, service offerings and the geographic regions in which they operate.

Shares of Zurich-based gategroup are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol GATE. Please visit our website at http://www.gategroup.com/.


About airberlin:

airberlin is Germany's second largest airline. In 2010 alone, airberlin received over 10 awards for service and quality. The fleet comprises 170 aircraft with an average age of five years, making it one of the most modern fleets in Europe. As one of the major European airlines, airberlin flies to 171 destinations in 45 countries. In 2011, the airline carried more than 35 million passengers. airberlin has signed up for membership to the global airline alliance oneworld® and is expected to become a full member in 2012.